March 4 Readers' letters: Cisco can afford to walk away from its investment in Russia

From Mercury News readers

Posted:
03/03/2014 03:17:17 PM PST

Updated:
03/03/2014 03:17:17 PM PST

Cisco should stop investing in Russia

Has anyone started to ask Cisco Systems to stop its investments in Russia with the invasion by Russia of Ukraine? Vladimir Putin only understands the almighty gun and money second. Now is the time to ask Cisco and any other high-tech company why are they investing in Russia? Cisco can afford to walk away from its investment in Russia, and so should every other high-tech company. All Cisco and other companies are doing are supporting a corrupt dictatorship bent on controlling other countries. Just ask the founders of Google what their thoughts are on Putin and Russia.

Andrew Smith

Santa Rosa

Government needs to stop controlling people

Once again, the Mercury News (Editorial, March 3), in its infinite wisdom, has decided that "Redskins" is an unacceptable affront to Native Americans despite the admission that a high percentage of Native Americans don't have an issue. This is the left at its finest -- telling us what is good for us despite what we think or want. An analogous situation is that when schoolchildren rebelled at government lunches, the ringleaders of the program said "they will get used to it." So much for individual freedom. Why don't you let people decide their own fates instead of trying to control them in the name of whatever agenda you have? This country has done very well without big momma government and has shown the ability to improve where it is needed on its own. Sometimes progress comes slowly, but we as a country definitely have improved in terms of rights for all citizens.

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Larry Hootnick

Palo Alto

Don't force computer science on students

Mike Cassidy (Page 1A, March 2) quotes approvingly from the executive director of the Computer Science Teachers Association (who might, just possibly, be subject to bias) to the effect that all students should be required to take a computer science course. In my graduate student days I was a teaching assistant for the physics course that pre-meds, among others, were required to take. All most students took away from that course was an abiding distaste for physics. I predict the same outcome for this ill-conceived proposal.

Donald E. Grimes

Software Consultant Los Gatos

Divide and conquer vs. scold and whine

So, Secretary of State John Kerry complains that Vladimir Putin is using 19th century rules in the 21st century.

19th century rules: Divide and conquer.

21st century rules: (according to Kerry) Scold and whine.

Who's likely to win?

Mike Smithwick

San Jose

Comcast/TWC merger will be a good thing

We agree with the Silicon Valley Leadership Group's response (published on February 28) to your editorial on the Comcast/TWC merger and respectfully would add a few key points. Your editorial implies that the U.S. lags internationally in broadband. We are one of only two nations with three fully developed broadband technologies -- cable, telco and 4G LTE -- and Comcast's average speeds far exceed those in Europe. Bringing those speeds to existing TWC systems will only advance that leadership.

Unlike many big media companies, Comcast/NBCU has embraced the online space and licenses its programming (NBCU programs, E! USA Today) to virtually all comers. Comcast also regularly promotes new independent networks; Mark Cuban, who runs AXS TV, says the deal is a "huge positive" for independents. Comcast's Valley engineers (working with colleagues in Seattle and Philadelphia) have set the industry standard, with the X1 operating system and more high definition, streaming, on-demand and mobile video access than anyone else.

Comcast brings more competition and innovation to the national marketplace in a host of areas, and that's a good thing.

Matthew R. Mahood

President & CEO San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce

Wishing Reed could stay another term

In recent letters, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed is being blamed from dissatisfied union members for the current lack of city services. San Jose citizens know full well the blame lies with previous elected officials' being overly generous with city unions. I'm here to provide a supporting voice to the most courageous politician in our state. Mayor Reed, you have shown that you deeply care about the future of our city, and I'm sorry you could not be with us for another term.